Article: Twins Daily 2018 Top Prospects: #9 Brusdar Graterol

[Dantes929]

 

Looks like he finishes each pitch differently. He has a shorter stride and finish with his Fastball and just the opposite of that with his slider/off speed stuff. Not sure if that's something that can be picked up on quickly enough to make a difference (a la, Darvish in the 2017 WS). But to this HIGHLY untrained eye...I noticed a lack of consistency.

I agree.   Some of his pitches were smooth and made me think this guy is 3 weeks from the majors but then I kind a saw what you saw which is mainly inconsistency.    I don't know when the video was taken so hopefully he has progressed since then.

[Bob Sacamento]

 

Looks like he finishes each pitch differently. He has a shorter stride and finish with his Fastball and just the opposite of that with his slider/off speed stuff. Not sure if that's something that can be picked up on quickly enough to make a difference (a la, Darvish in the 2017 WS). But to this HIGHLY untrained eye...I noticed a lack of consistency.

He throws like you would expect for a 19yo who missed throwing in competitive ball for two years (last start before TJS June 20, 2015, first start in org ball after TJS June 26th, 2017).  Did he telegraph his pitches in the GCL and Appy last year? Yes which speaks to his stuff that hitters likely knew what was coming and still didn't tee him up.  But that all can be cleaned up with repetition and more innings and experience under his belt.  His short stride, much like Romero, and his max effort delivery much like Romero, is what leans me to believe both are destined for the bullpen in the future.

[jimbo92107]

Brusdar Graterol, I hereby dub thee, "Da Bruiser."

[FormerMinnasotan]

He throws like you would expect for a 19yo who missed throwing in competitive ball for two years (last start before TJS June 20, 2015, first start in org ball after TJS June 26th, 2017). Did he telegraph his pitches in the GCL and Appy last year? Yes which speaks to his stuff that hitters likely knew what was coming and still didn't tee him up. But that all can be cleaned up with repetition and more innings and experience under his belt. His short stride, much like Romero, and his max effort delivery much like Romero, is what leans me to believe both are destined for the bullpen in the future.

With the news that we missed on Darvish this sounds a little sad as well since more than likely the only way we’ll ever get an ace is to “home grow” one. Graterol and Romero have the velocity to look like that “ace”, but it feels a little hollow if all they do is end up in our bullpen. We need more “ace” like prospects, not ones who end up in the bullpen. However I will concede I have no idea what the future holds for Graterol or Romero, just hope of them can finally be that ace we have needed for years.

[Dantes929]

 

He throws like you would expect for a 19yo who missed throwing in competitive ball for two years (last start before TJS June 20, 2015, first start in org ball after TJS June 26th, 2017).  Did he telegraph his pitches in the GCL and Appy last year? Yes which speaks to his stuff that hitters likely knew what was coming and still didn't tee him up.  But that all can be cleaned up with repetition and more innings and experience under his belt.  His short stride, much like Romero, and his max effort delivery much like Romero, is what leans me to believe both are destined for the bullpen in the future.

Some of his pitches did look really smooth and I would like him to get away from max effort if possible even it costs him a couple MPH which it seems he can spare but maybe it won't.   I liken it to a golf swing.   Max effort might get you the farthest distances but on average it produce much worse shots.   Effortless 250 yards is way better than occasional 280.    100mph is fun but really shouldn't be his focus.  Feels like it is just wasted in the lower levels anyway.   He seems to have a bit of a Trevor May build, but more so.

[AlwaysinModeration]

Maybe I missed this, but how did the Twins acquire Graterol?

[Bob Sacamento]

 

Maybe I missed this, but how did the Twins acquire Graterol?

The Twins signed him in 2014 as a International Free Agent out of Venezuela for 150K